BATAVIA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The 34 Rush Sports Bar at Batavia Downs was packed on Sunday for Buffalo’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Bills Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas hosted a watch party for the big game.
While the outcome was not what Bills fans wanted, they said the atmosphere did not disappoint.
“To watch a game with a lot of other Bills fans, it was wonderful,” Bills fan Linda Luegbe said.
Virtually every table was taken by kickoff. Bills fans from Rochester said the location is a nice halfway point for them to still get that Buffalo atmosphere a little closer to home.
“Getting in and off the Thruway is a lot easier,” said Bills fan John Bach. “Going to the Bills games is good, but this is a lot easier access. Plus, we have a room here so if you have an excess of drinks, you could stay right here.”
Thomas, the namesake of the bar, was even here saying hello to fans and taking pictures.
“They are kind of my age or a little older, so I hear about the 90s stories all the time,” Thomas said. “But it’s also great for them to be out here to support the team now.”
This is the second time a party like this has taken place. The first came in Week 6 for Buffalo’s game against the New York Jets.
Fans added that while nothing beats going to Highmark Stadium for a game, watching from a bar stool is a nice break from the cold.
“Regardless of the weather, you can see that we're in T-shirts,” Bach said. “We don't have to wear any heavy stuff or anything. It’s awesome coming here. We love it.”
Fans were also able to enter contests to win prizes, ranging from Bills gear to even club-level tickets.
Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.
